She was actually thinking of a Berner and a St. Bernard is a good one too!

Health wise though what are we talking? I know the basics of most giants (Cancer, hip etc.) but not very many specifics.

Tell her that if her breeder isn't using bernergarde database to find another breeder. It's such a great resource that they all should be using it. You can look up dog on there and trace their lines and see what kind of problems they've had.

And something no one seems to share about Berners is they like to swallow things... Whole. Like mittens and towels and socks an bully sticks. My friend insists its a common thing for the breed.

Yeah, many giants do have health issues. Heart problems, cancer, joint, etc seems to be the most common. Lower down the list you have epilepsy, eye issues, bloat, etc. Also, bigger the dog, naturally the more destructive they are in their teenager "chew everything" years. I knew one that went through a wall. Just something to be on the watch for, especially when you get into those breeds prone to separation anxiety.

English mastiffs, if acquired from a good breeder, typically aren't DA, love their people, a little stubborn but awesome people dogs. Bullmastiffs and French Mastiffs sometimes have a bit more DA, depending on the lines. I was going to suggest Berner and St. Bernard too.